Survey and interviews reveal loneliness, falling, and navigating services as top needs 

This past summer, nearly 700 older adults, veterans and people with disabilities in Washington County completed our survey, while another 50 current clients were interviewed about their needs. A few of the key findings: nearly four in 10 (38%) said they experienced significant loneliness; most relied on their primary care provider or a trusted friend or family member to find services; and many more people are falling in their homes than are reported. The image above represents answers given when we asked respondents how DAVS makes them feel. The larger the word, the more times it was mentioned. 

Washington County Area Agency on Aging Director Rebecca Miller, along with community members Seferina Deleon Dale and Jahed Sukhun and HHS staff member Eva Hawes, presented these and other findings during the Board of County Commissioners work session in October. View the full presentation. 

DAVS is the designated Area Agency on Aging for Washington County. In accordance with the Older Americans Act, each Area Agency on Aging must develop an Area Plan and provide annual updates to the Oregon Department of Human Services. We will use data to inform our plan.   

Getting feedback from the public is part of the process, and your comments can make a difference! We will invite public comment on our 2025-2029 Area Plan from January 13 through February 13. All materials and instructions will be posted on our website. 

You are also invited to provide feedback during the Aging & Veteran Services Advisory Council meeting on January 16, from 9-10 a.m. See next article for more information.

Now recruiting people age 60+ to join the Aging and Veteran Services Advisory Council (AVSAC)

Washington County is deeply committed to racial equity, inclusion and representation on our advisory councils. If you are a resident of Washington County and want to be involved in improving services for older adults in our community, we invite you to apply.

Click the image to open a larger version of the flyer.

Learn more at an upcoming meeting:  

Thursday, January 16, 9-11 a.m. 

In person at 5240 NE Elam Young Parkway, Suite 300 in Hillsboro 

Or join on TEAMS 

We welcome guests and invite public comment on the issues facing older adults, people with disabilities and veterans in our community. For more information or to apply online, email Sandra Castaneda or call 503-846-3093.

Medicare counseling news 

Medicare Open Enrollment Period (OEP) continues until December 7, and so far, this OEP has been a very busy one. Each year, our Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance (SHIBA) volunteers schedule appointments across the county during OEP. Due to call volume and community need, our highly trained volunteers have been adding extra hours and days to their schedules to try to meet the increased demand. These amazing volunteers are so dedicated to helping their community and it is inspiring to see such involvement and caring. Our SHIBA program could not exist without them. 

From January 1 through March 31, 2025, there will be another open enrollment period. During these three months, beneficiaries with a Medicare Advantage Plan will be able to switch from one Medicare Advantage Plan to another or move back to the original Medicare. It is important to note that these three months are for beneficiaries in a Medicare Advantage Plan. Those in original Medicare cannot make any changes to their insurance coverage at this time. SHIBA volunteers are available year-round and will be available to help beneficiaries during January, February and March if you have questions about your Medicare Advantage Plans. Please contact our SHIBA team at 503-846-3094. 

Community Action offers utility bill assistance and weatherization program 

As the weather gets colder, most people will experience higher energy and heating bills. Community Action Organization (CAO) may be able to help with heating expenses, including electricity, natural gas, propane, oil, pellets and wood. They can also assist in no-heat situations to repair or replace existing heating units that no longer work. Community Action Organization’s weatherization program also allows for repair or replacement of existing air conditioning and heating units (not window or portable), or for new installations. Both the cooling and the heating programs operate year-round. The income guidelines for eligibility can be found on the Community Action website. 

Click image for more information on exercising safely in cold weather.

Prepare now for cold weather  

Winter storms can be easier to get through if we take time to prepare. A few things we can do to stay safe: Avoid walking or driving under trees with heavy snow and ice, have a way to cook and heat up your home without power, avoid driving if possible, and keep emergency supplies and blankets in your vehicles if you must drive. Staying informed of possible hazardous weather with these resources gives us time to prepare before the storm. PublicAlerts, NOAA all-hazards radio, and the  FEMA Mobile App. Learn more about how to winterize your home and stay safe and active in colder weather. 

Staying connected this winter 

Shorter days, cold weather, reminders of loss, and stressful family expectations can create barriers to connection in the wintertime. Set a goal to stay connected this winter. Here are three ways: 

1. Make a social plan: A social plan helps you and others connect to community, groups or activities. Pick one specific social action, set a timeline to complete it, and you’ve got a social plan! Learn about Age Cafe, Circle of Friends, and other local programs of connection by calling the ADRC at 503-846-3060. 
2. Write a letter: Write a positive message of support and encouragement. Washington County Writes distributes cards and letters to members of our community who are experiencing isolation this winter along with resources for connection and community. Email kera_magarill@washingtoncountyor.gov for information on how to get involved. 
3. Make a call: Want to talk to someone who understands loneliness? Call the 24/7 Senior Loneliness Line at 800-282-7035 or call Oregon Senior Peer Outreach at 1-833-736-4676 to get matched with an older adult peer support specialist. 

Older Adult Behavioral Health is on TV 

Check out the next episode of Age Well Washington County to learn how to manage stress during the holiday season and stay connected with one another. It's airing on Comcast/Ziply channels 28 and 30 and can also be viewed on YouTube or by clicking the video below. 

Stand Down doubles in size and connects veterans with services 

We held our Veterans Stand Down on November 15 at the Sonrise Church in Hillsboro. This event is a one-day resource fair bringing a variety of services to veterans with a particular emphasis on housing, employment and health care. All told, 163 veterans attended the event – more than double last year. Additionally:  

• 58 registered service providers were on hand 
• 84 veterans received warm clothing, duffel bags and blankets  
• 79 veterans met with eight employers and/or staffing agencies that participated in the job fair 
• 18 haircuts given 
• 16 flu and/or COVID vaccinations given by Washington County Public Health 
• 14 hearing screenings by the Veterans Administration 
• 10 traumatic brain injury screenings (four have already met with a Veteran Services Officer to help with VA claims related to the head injury) 
• 7 veterans received foot and nail care 

If you are on Facebook, you can see a photo album from the event. 

Whole Health – A new veteran benefit for well-being  

Portland VA Medical Center introduces Whole Health, a new program to support veterans with their health and well-being. Veterans enrolled in VA health care are eligible to participate in a variety of classes and activities focusing on self-care, skill building and support, with the focus on what matters to the veteran. The program offers health and wellness education and one-on-one health and wellness coaching, supporting the personal health plan of each veteran. For more information, check out their web page. 

Please visit DAVS event page to learn about upcoming events.